Former Jefferson Beach Marina owner dies

Marina to dedicate dock in honor of Alvin Wagner??Flags flew at half-mast this week at Jefferson Beach Marina in honor of Alvin Wagner, a former owner of the facility along the Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores.??Wagner, who was still a partner in the popular Beach Grill Restaurant and Resort near the marina, died Saturday after struggling with a brain tumor over the last few months, according to business associates. He was 85.??"Al was probably the most generous, kind and sincere individual I've ever known in my entire life," said Mark DiMaso, a partner at Beach Grill.??"He once told me he only wanted to live comfortably. He loved to live on his boat and have a meal at the Beach Grill. That's when he was happiest."??For years, Wagner lived in his 100-plus-foot yacht in Jefferson Beach harbor where he had a clear view of Lake St. Clair. But health concerns forced him to sell his vessel last year and he moved into nearby Shore Club Apartments.??While living on the water at the marina, Wagner was known as a casual dresser who was frequently stopped by patrons who wanted to talk with him.??Semo Post, general manager at Jefferson Beach, said Wagner was a well known figure in nautical circles.??"He was a marina guy -- that's what I loved most about him. We spoke the same language," Post said.??DiMaso agreed.??"Alvin lived a great life," he said. "He got out of the marina business about three years ago, but was still involved with the Beach Grill until recently. He loved being on the water and he loved this city."??Marina officials are planning to dedicate a new state-of-the-art rebuilt dock at the facility in Wagner's name in December to honor his memory.??Wagner is survived by his children, Jerry Wagner, Vicki Mansfield, Lisa Karbal and Carole Wagner; seven grandchildren; and two sisters.??Funeral arrangements were handled by Ira Kaufman Chapel in Southfield and burial was in Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham.??The family suggests memorial contributions be addressed to Parkinson's Foundation of Michigan, Kidney Foundation of Michigan or Living Sober House in Grosse Pointe Farms.